Walk-in closets for the modern man

Written by Engel & Völkers on 6/17/16

Hardy Aimes once said, “A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them.” But in order to truly dress with care, first you need the right dressing area. Walk-in closets provide the perfect solution for the modern gentleman, with space for all your clothes, shoes and accessories as well as room to prepare for the day ahead. Here’s how to design a stylish, contemporary storage space for your home.

Functional lighting

Good lighting is essential for assessing your wardrobe choices and assembling your outfit. Skylights have the advantage of letting in plenty of natural light when dressing for the office first thing in the morning, while strategically placed spotlights provide illumination if you're getting ready for a cocktail event in the evening. Milk glass windows are designed to soften the natural light to avoid fading clothing colours, while mirrored wardrobe doors are great for increasing available light in a small space.

Stylish furniture

Combine style with functionality by selecting a contemporary scoop-back armchair in a neutral shade of slate grey, or incorporate a splash of colour with a wing-back chair upholstered in vibrant teal or bold mustard. For a more traditional approach, consider placing an antique leather ottoman as a focal point in the centre. Not only does this make a convenient perch where you can put on socks and tie shoelaces, but it also brings extra storage space and a homely touch to your closet.

Custom carpentry

Whether you choose a glossy dark wood for a cosy sense of intimacy, or opt for pale furniture with glass shelves, quality carpentry is key. Custom-made wardrobes will ensure you make best use of the available space, showcase appropriate items and create a closet that suits your needs. Floor-to-ceiling shelving, valet rods and shoe-shine stations are just some of the features you could include in your design.

Display accessories

Along with bulky items like shirts, trousers and jumpers, you’ll want to include space for finishing touches like cufflinks, sunglasses, ties, belts and watches. Pull-out drawers with organised dividers are a good way to hide away smaller items, while slide-out belt racks and illuminated tie rails take care of the essentials. Wall-mounted hat racks for day hats, and hat boxes for occasion hats, will ensure they're kept in pristine condition. For watches and glasses, go for a countertop organiser with felted interior to store items without scratching them.

Quality touches

Thin wire hangers can oxidise and damage clothes, so it's important to select quality hangers to store garments properly. Wide wooden designs are ideal for jackets that require more width, while velveteen non-slip hangers are best for shirts. A canvas garment bag will help protect clothes from dust but still allow the fabric to breathe. Ensure trousers are stored crease-free by hanging them from felted clamp hangers. Lastly, don’t forget shoe trees to help keep your footwear in tip-top shape.

If you're looking for a new property, perhaps with space for your dream walk-in closet, then contact Engel & Völkers today. Our global portfolio of luxury properties includes everything from penthouse suites in bustling cosmopolitan cities, to luxury villas perched on the edge of the Mediterranean.